Interview with Richard Thomas

Richard Thomas is a professor at Imperial College London, working in algebraic geometry and mirror symmetry. In this interview, Richard speaks about math education for kids, contemplates the process of doing research and gives plenty of good advice for PhD students. 

Richard's webpage: http://wwwf.imperial.ac.uk/~rpwt/​
Photo: Richard's wikipedia page
Interview with Richard Thomas
0:00​ teaser
0:30​ non-linear way in math
3:14​ the mystery of mathematicians
6:55​ kids' attitude to math problems
11:40​ boys vs girls math approach
16:26​ me being triggered (clickbait!)
21:32​ what made Richard a mathematician
26:40​ insights vs dull proofs
29:06​ math is subjective 
30:08​ process of doing math research
35:16​ obstructions to enjoying research
37:53​ what students should know
43:53​ hardest part of research
47:36​ insecurities of mathematicians
51:19​ psychology of doing math
54:55​ minorities in math
1:01:14​ math during an earthquake